Your Guide to Effective UTE Tray Organiser Solutions

If you own a UTE, you own a highly versatile and functional vehicle. UTEs are powerful and flexible. They will handle all the needs you might have. You can use them for everyday commuting, contracting needs, transporting goods, off-road activities, and almost everything you may think of.

However, when you buy the UTE, you rarely get a vehicle with more than a bed. To maximize its use, you will need to install additional parts. Organizing your tray in the rear part of your UTE is essential to get the most out of it.

In this blog post, we talk more about this. We will help you organize the rear tray and share some ideas on how to do it. We will also discuss why this is important and how to do it right. Follow up and learn more about the rear tray of your UTE and how to make it better.

Why UTE Tray Organisation Matters?

UTE tray organisation matters because an unplanned space quickly becomes a problem. When storage needs are ignored, even a quality ute starts working against you instead of for you. Tools slide, bulky items collide, and loading and unloading becomes frustrating. 

A well-organised tray improves space and accessibility, helping everything stay easily accessible when you need it. It also reduces wear on equipment caused by shifting during transit. Whether you drive a dual cab for work or a next gen 4x4 for mixed use, smart organisation helps you keep your ute efficient, safer to operate, and ready for whatever the day brings, without constant rearranging.

• Saves Time: An organised tub with clear storage compartments and easy access reduces wasted time searching for items like tools and equipment. When everything is easily accessible and fits your ute properly, daily loading and unloading becomes faster and far less frustrating.
• Protects Gear: Using high-quality ute storage solutions helps keep gear safe from damage, shifting during transit, and exposure to the elements. Secure storage compartments protect valuable gear, camping gear, and sports gear while reducing wear caused by loose movement inside the tub.
• Improves Safety: A well-planned setup with tie-down points, a tub divider, and ratchet straps prevents bulky items from moving while driving. This improves balance, reduces risk during sudden stops, and helps keep your ute safer on and off the road.
• Enhances Productivity: When your ute storage options are designed for functionality and convenience, work flows better. Frequently used tools stay accessible, space and accessibility improve, and storage without sacrificing flexibility allows tradies to move efficiently between tasks and locations.

5 UTE Tray Storage Solutions For Maximum Efficiency

Maximising efficiency in your tray comes down to choosing adaptable systems that suit your needs. The best setups balance storage without sacrificing open space. From under-tray boxes to shelving systems and drawer layouts, smart solutions create order without locking you into one use. 

Options like sliding trays and divider systems allow flexibility, while racks are designed to support larger loads safely. When everything has a purpose and place, your ute storage options work together, helping you manage space, protect gear, and maintain quick access throughout the day.

1. Think about what you’ll use the tray for

The first thing to do is think about how you will use your vehicle and what you’ll most often transfer with it. Based on this, you will know how to organize your tray best. Of course, if you don’t know what will be perfect, we’re here to help.

In general, most people use their trays for transporting ordinary everyday items, and only some will specialize their UTEs for something more specific. Some will turn their UTEs into camping vehicles and design remote bedrooms, and others will use them for their pet transport and grooming business by installing dog crates in the back.

Of course, the ideas are endless and if you think about it, be sure there’s a solution. If you only need your tray for transporting tools and smaller items for your contracting business or everyday chores, then the organization should be done adequately.

2. Install items that will enhance functionality

Whatever your choice is, you should install adequate items with functionality in your mind. If you’re about to transfer bigger items, such as machines, you need a toolbox canopy with openings on the sides that allow easier management.

If the machines are too big, think about only small toolboxes on the sides that will let you store sensitive tools, but will provide lots of open space for everything else. In general, you can’t have everything, and you will need to think about what will work best for your needs. You should create a fully functional rear tray.

3. Mind your options

When you realize what you need to transfer and you know what will work best, you should think about the options you have. Aside from leaving the tray entirely open and intact, you can also add some features to help you with your needs.

Many people will cover the tray with a tonneau, but others will opt for toolboxes of various sizes. Some will love the idea of a canopy, and those who need a lot of space can also add a ladder and a roof rack. There are lots of UTE canopy accessories to choose from and personalize the area based on your wishes, too.

4. Hire someone to install the items

Many people will order the items through the mail and install them on their own as a DIY project. However, not everyone is experienced and skilled in this, and many of us lack the proper tools to do it. If you’re one of these people, it’s best to hire someone else to get the job done.

A professional will mount a toolbox in the rear tray flawlessly. Professionals will have the right tools and knowledge for the job, and after their work, you’ll know that nothing can go wrong. If you handle it but lack the right tools and experience, you can expect additional issues to appear later on, which is something you don’t want to happen.

5. Use the undertray area too

Use the undertray area to add additional storage to your vehicle. The undertray area is perfect for storing smaller items, such as the first aid kit, small handy tools, duct tape, and items you might need in an emergency. Instead of looking for them where everything else is, an undertray toolbox or a trundle drawer may be the right way to do it.

These also need to be installed, but if you’re not skilled in it, you should find someone who is. You don’t want to have the undertray items fall off mid-driving. If done right, they are an excellent place to store items, as it is protected with the tray above them.

Top 10 UTE Tray Organisation Accessories

Accessories play a major role when it comes to optimising your tray. The right combination creates innovative storage without overcrowding the area. From ladder racks with cross bars to under-tray toolboxes built tough for harsh conditions, each addition should provide a secure solution. The goal is to add extra storage while keeping the tray adaptable. 

High-quality accessories designed to fit for your ute improve storage space, protect valuable gear, and help you manage loading and unloading with confidence, whether you drive an Amarok or a Ford Ranger.

1. Ute Drawer Systems - Ute drawer systems create structured storage that keeps tools and equipment organised, secure, and easy to access. They reduce clutter, prevent shifting during transit, and support efficient daily workflows.
2. Under-Tray Toolboxes - Under tray toolboxes use otherwise wasted space to add extra storage without sacrificing tray capacity. They are ideal for recovery gear, emergency items, and tools that do not require constant access.
3. Sliding Tray Solutions - Sliding tray solutions improve access to heavy or bulky items by bringing them out of the tray. They reduce physical strain and make loading and unloading safer and more efficient.
4. Aluminium Ute Canopies - Aluminium ute canopies provide enclosed, weather-resistant storage while supporting integrated shelving and secure compartments. They help protect valuable gear from theft and harsh conditions without limiting versatility.
5. Ute Tray-Mounted Toolboxes - Tray-mounted toolboxes offer quick access to frequently used tools while keeping the main tray open. They provide secure storage without interfering with larger loads or overall tray functionality.
6. Custom Ute Shelving - Custom shelving systems create vertical storage that improves organisation and visibility. They keep smaller items separated, accessible, and secure while maintaining usable floor space within the tray.
7. Roof Racks - Roof racks expand carrying capacity by allowing long or bulky items to be transported above the tray. They free up storage space while maintaining balance and safe load distribution.
8. Secure Storage Boxes and Lockable Cabinets - Secure storage boxes and lockable cabinets protect valuable gear and sensitive equipment. They provide added security when the vehicle is unattended and reduce the risk of theft.
9. Fridge Slides for Tradies On-The-Go - Fridge slides allow easy access to food and drinks without unloading other gear. They improve convenience during long workdays while keeping equipment stable during transit.
10. Combination Storage Systems - Combination storage systems integrate drawers, shelving, and compartments into one adaptable layout. They support diverse storage needs while maintaining organisation, flexibility, and efficient use of space.

Make the Most of Your Space with Custom UTE Trays

Instead of using the original setting, you should opt for custom UTE trays. The ideas above will help you organize the area. Choose some of the items we mentioned, and ensure you use the tray with its maximum capacity. Aside from using it for daily activities, you can turn the UTE into a vehicle helping your business.

FAQs

Are modular storage options better than fixed systems for UTE trays?

Modular storage options are often better because they are adaptable and can change as your storage needs evolve. Unlike fixed systems, modular setups allow you to reconfigure storage space when your work or lifestyle changes. This flexibility is useful for drivers who balance work and weekend use. Modular systems also make it easier to replace or upgrade individual components without rebuilding the entire tray setup, making them a practical long-term choice.

How do I choose the right storage options for my UTE tray that work for both work and weekend use?

Choosing the right storage starts with understanding how often your tray needs to switch roles. Look for storage solutions that offer easy access and quick removal or reconfiguration. Options like drawer systems paired with open space allow tools and equipment during the week and camping gear on weekends. Focus on systems that are designed to suit your needs without locking you into one purpose, so your ute stays versatile and efficient.

Are UTE tray organiser solutions compatible with all UTE models?

Most ute storage solutions are designed to fit a wide range of models, but compatibility depends on tray size, mounting points, and vehicle configuration. Dual cab and single cab setups may differ, and next gen designs sometimes require specific fittings. It is always best to check measurements and manufacturer guidance to ensure the system fits properly. Professional installation also helps ensure the storage works safely and as intended.